CatSper4
Encyclopedia
CatSper4, is a protein
which in humans is encoded by the CATSPER4 gene
. CatSper1 is a member of the cation channels of sperm
family of protein. The four proteins in this family together form a Ca2+-permeant ion channel
specific essential for the correct function of sperm cells.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
which in humans is encoded by the CATSPER4 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
. CatSper1 is a member of the cation channels of sperm
Cation channels of sperm
The cation channels of sperm also known as Catsper channels or CatSper, are ion channels that are related to the two-pore channels and distantly related to TRP channels. The four members of this family form voltage-gated Ca2+ channels that seem to be specific to sperm. These channels are required...
family of protein. The four proteins in this family together form a Ca2+-permeant ion channel
Ion channel
Ion channels are pore-forming proteins that help establish and control the small voltage gradient across the plasma membrane of cells by allowing the flow of ions down their electrochemical gradient. They are present in the membranes that surround all biological cells...
specific essential for the correct function of sperm cells.